Villin Mobb – The Villin In Black

Album info

In 2010, Villin Mobb hit the Hip-Hop arena with another compelling EP, “The Villin In Black,” emanating from their independent label, Villin Mobb Production. The EP is a raw, unfiltered take on gangsta rap, serving up a slice of life from the streets with a heavy touch of artistry. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Crystal Clear Studio, the EP stands as a cohesive package, capturing a distinct period and ethos in American Hip-Hop.

Opening with a bang, “The Villin In Black” is a 6:22-minute track that stands as an anthem for the group, offering a glimpse into the complexities and contradictions of their identity. Following suit, “It’s A Sac-Town Thang” is an ode to their hometown of Sacramento, full of regional pride and local references, encapsulated in a 4:36-minute runtime.

“Pimp Game,” the third track, dials into a smaller scope but retains the thematic intensity, exploring the intricacies of power and manipulation in just under 4 minutes. “Straight Loungin” takes a slight detour from the intense mood, offering a 5:06-minute break where listeners can groove to a more relaxed beat, but without losing sight of the overall narrative.

The fifth track, “Villin Mobb Party,” acts as a jubilant counterpoint to the EP’s otherwise grim topics. With a runtime of 5:51 minutes, it stands as an anthem for unity and celebration among members and fans alike. “Get High,” the penultimate track, is a deep dive into the realities of escapism and addiction, lasting for a soul-stirring 6:46 minutes.

Closing the EP is “Product Of A Violent Society,” a 4:59-minute narrative that sums up the entire ethos of the Villin Mobb, pointing out the societal conditions that shaped them and their music.

Interestingly, like their previous work, the rear artwork of the EP is dated 1994, suggesting that the material is not entirely of its time, but rather an archive that has waited 16 years to see the light of day. Mastered, mixed, and recorded by Shark, and with all tracks written and produced by The Villin Mobb, “The Villin In Black” stands as a self-contained universe that speaks to the broader experience of American urban life.